New  Products 
of  the  Trees 


LUTHER  BURBANK'S 
LATE  INTRODUCTIONS 


FOR    SALE    BY 


Fancher  Creek  Nurseries 

FRESNO,    CALIFORNIA.    U.  S.  A. 


Ml  hall-tone  illustrations  in  this  book,  excepting  portraits,  are 

from  photographs  made  af  Mr.  Buroant's  grounds. 

F/ie  pictures  ;'n  color  are  from   wafer 

colors  made  from  fife. 


PRINTED  BV   TffE   KRUCKEBERG  PRESS 

C*mOGl/£  MAKERS  /IND   IRI-COtOR  PRINTERS 

LOS   ANGELES,    U.  S.  A. 


"  Yours   for   better  products   and   more  of  them " 
LUTHER   BURBANK 


THE  REWARD  OF  MERIT 


SO  PRONOUNCED  has  been  the  success  of  the  new  fruits  and  trees  of 
Luther  Burbank  which  we  introduced  for  the  first  time  last  season;  so  ap- 
preciative have  been  the  many  warm  encomiums  from  expert  pomologists, 
commercial  growers  and  amateur  horticulturists  on  the  Santa  Rosa  Plum,  the 
Rutland  Plumcot,  the  Royal  and  Paradox  Walnuts,  that  we  feel  sufficiently 
encouraged  to  give  place  to  three  new  plums  of  surpassing  merit  of  Mr. 
Burbank's  creation,  viz.:  the  Formosa,  Gaviota  and  Vesuvius.  These  have, 
for  the  most  part,  undergone  a  rigid  test  on  his  experimental  grounds,  with 
the  result  that  they  have  been  found  to  possess  merit  of  the  first  order,  and 
are  being  offered  with  the  firm  conviction  that  they  will  prove  valuable 
acquisitions  to  the  fruit  interests  of  the  country  as  have  so  many  of  his  former 
productions. 

It  is  in  a  broad  practical  way,  and  purely  on  economic  grounds,  that  Luther 
Burbank  has  spent  his  life  in  the  creation  and  exploitation  of  new  things  in  fruits, 
trees  and  flowers.  By  nature  his  is  the  creative  faculty, — the  trend  of  mind 
that  conceives,  creates,  executes  in  the  realm  of  plant  life.  This  being  true  and 
his  work  becoming  so  vast,  it  is  not  at  all  surprising  that  he  should  leave  to  others 
the  work  of  "bringing  out"  his  creations  to  the  trade.  Appreciating  this  his 
friends  have  long  contended  that  he  should  be  relieved  of  this  phase  of  the  business, 
so  as  to  afford  wider  scope  for  his  scientific  and  experimental  work. 

In  this  connection,  the  Fancher  Creek  Nurseries  were  approached  with  a  view 
to  introducing  the  Burbank  creations  to  the  trade.  Accordingly  an  arrangement 
covering  a  series  of  years  has  been  entered  into  between  Mr.  Burbank  and  this 
establishment  whereby  we  become  the  commercial  propagators  and  distributors 
of  new  plants  and  fruits  known  to  possess  real  values  of  the  first  rank  that  he 
may  put  out  from  now  on.  We  say  "values  of  the  first  order"  advisedly,  for 
we  have  too  high  a  regard  for  the  horticultural  interests  to  place  anything  on 
the  market  of  a  meretricious  character;  an  opinion  that  Mr.  Burbank  not  only 
endorses,  but  insists  must  be  carried  out  to  the  letter.  Hence  our  descriptions 
will  always  be  found  conservative  and  to  the  point;  the  conditions  of  climate, 
and  soils  governing  the  habit  of  the  new  introductions  will  be  found  based  on  ex- 
perience, lucid  in  expression,  true  to  the  facts,  and  conservative  in  their  deductions. 

With  these  preliminary  statements,  we  take  pleasure  in  issuing  a  second 
edition  of  this  booklet  describing  Burbank's  latest  introductions,  all  of  which 
possess  real  value  to  the  horticulturists  and  plant  lovers  of  the  country,  as 
demonstrated  in  the  originator's  grounds. 

Their  individual  values,  uses  and  characteristics  are  briefly  but  thoroughly 
described  in  the  following  pages. 

FANCHER  CREEK  NURSERIES. 

GEORGE  C.  ROE  DING, 

President  and  Manager. 


274432 


"  New   and  promising  things   should  be  tried " 
GEORGE  C.   ROEDING 


FRUIT    AND    FOLIAGE    FORMOSA   PLUM. 

Two-thirds  natural  size.    By  A.  Lunzer, 


A   TRIO  OF    NEW   PLUMS 

THE  INTRODUCTION  of  a  number  of  fruits,  largely  of  the  same  character, 
is  sure  to  cause  more  or  less  bewilderment  on  the  part  of  the  purchaser, 
and  he  is  somewhat  at  a  loss  in  making  a  choice.  These  latest  creations 
of  Mr.  Burbank's  all  have  merit,  and  have  now  been  tested  long  enough  so  that 
there  is  no  question  of  their  ultimate  commercial  value.  We  know  it  is  a 
mistake  on  the  part  of  the  introducer  to  place  any  new  fruit  on  the  market,  unless 
he  has  abundant  assurance  that  such  fruits  as  he  recommends  will  stand  the  test 
of  the  severest  criticism  when  they  reach  the  commercial  grower.  It  is  useless  in 
these  days  to  recommend  a  fruit  of  comparative  merit,  for  unless  the  quality  is 
actually  in  the  fruit  itself,  the  consumer,  on  whose  judgment  the  grower  must 
finally  depend,  might  reject  the  new  variety  as  not  being  equal  to  some  of  the 
older  standards. 

THE     FORMOSA 

Formosa  is  an  unusually  handsome  fruit  which  runs  surprisingly  uniform  in 
size,  in  many  respects  resembling  the  fruit  of  the  Kelsey  and  Wickson,  but  much 
more  uniform  and  handsome  in  appearance  than  either.  In  flavor,  firmness  and 
coloring,  it  surpasses  the  older  varieties  in  every  sense  of  the  word.  It  is  said 
by  Mr.  Burbank  to  be  of  a  rather  mixed  parentage,  blending  probably  fifteen 
to  eighteen  varieties  in  its  origin.  Ripens  about  a  week  later  than  Santa  Rosa. 

So  high  an  authority  as  Prof.  E.  J.  Wickson,  author  of  "  California 
Fruits  and  How  to  Grow  Them,"  describes  it  as  follows  : 

I  have  never  seen  this  fruit  before,  and  I  find  it  large  ( two  and  one-half  inches  longitud- 
inal and  two  and  one-fourth  inches  cross  diameters)  and  handsome,  red,  shading  from 
rather  light  to  deep  cherry  color,  the  coloring  being  more  even  than  the  original  Wickson  as  it 
grows  with  me.  The  variety  also  seems  to  have  a  tendency  to  greater  symmetry,  the  heart-shape 
being  less  pronounced  and  the  general  exterior  points  of  the  fruit  striking  me  as  superior.  Com- 
parison of  flavor  points  could  hardly  be  made  unless  one  had  the  two  varieties  grown  under 
exactly  the  same  conditions. 

In  line  with  the  above  recognized  authority  on  California  pomology,  Luther 
Burbank  authenticates  the  opinions  therein  expressed  : 

This  is  a  plum  which  has  been  very  fully  tested  for  the  past  five  years  in  close  compari- 
son witli  all  others,  and  has  been  pronounced  the  "best  plum  in  existence  "  at  the  present  time. 
The  trees  are  wonderful  growers  ( so  far  as  known  nothing  comparable  to  Formosa  is  now  in 
cultivation  in  this  respect),  with  unusually  large,  thick,  healthy,  light  green  foliage;  strong, 
hard,  wiry  wood,  which  is  always  capable  of  holding  the  great  crops  of  fruit  which  the  trees  so 
far  have  never  failed  to  bear.  Even  this  year  when  all  ordinary  plums  are  either  a  partial  or 
complete  failure,  Formosa  is  loaded  with  fruit  of  great  size,  unusual  beauty,  and  unequaled  in 
quality  with  perhaps  the  exception  of  the  new  Santa  Rosa  first  introduced  last  season. 

Formosa  blooms  with  the  Burbank  and  Abundance,  and  always  escapes  late  spring  frosts, 
and  always  bears  profusely  even  when  continuous  rainy  weather  prevents  full  pollination  in  most 
other  plums.  No  disease  has  ever  found  lodgment  with  Formosa.  The  fruit  is  of  uniform  size, 
averaging  about  six  inches  in  circumference  one  way  by  eight  the  other.  Fruit  rich  yellow  with  a 
pale  bloom  until  nearly  ripe,  then  turning  to  a  clear  rich  red.  Flesh  pale  yellow,  unusually  firm, 
sweet,  rich,  delicious,  with  a  delightful  apricot  flavor;  nearly  free-stone. 

Formo.=a  has  been  very  thoroughly  tested  for  its  keeping  qualities,  which  are  unequaled 
except  by  Santa  Rosa,  Wickson,  Burbank,  and  a  few  others. 


6  Luther  Burbank's   Late  Introductions 

Soils  and  Climates. — Formosa,  like  all  the  plum  family,  in  general  finds  con- 
genial conditions  over  wide  geographical  areas.  In  view  of  this,  its  trial  culture 
can  be  confidently  recommended  not  only  in  the  Pacific  States  and  Territories  but 
throughout  the  Eastern  United  States,  Europe  and  of  course  all  countries  en- 
joying a  climate  similar  to  that  of  California. 

In  habit  of  growth  it  is  upright,  growing  with  remarkable  vigor,  often  before 
commencing  to  bear  heavily,  ten  to  twelve  feet  in  a  single  season,  hence  the  tree 
should  be  pruned  quite  severely  when  young  and  headed  back  to  18  inches  from 
the  surface  of  the  ground.  Like  other  trees  plums  are  more  or  less  subject  to  sun 
scald,  which  is  overcome  by  having  the  branches  start  low  down  to  give  ample 
shade  to  the  body  of  the  tree.  The  first  three  seasons  following  planting,  practically 
the  same  method  of  pruning  as  directed  for  other  fruits  should  be  adopted.  After 
the  tree  has  acquired  its  form  and  the  main  branches  are  sturdy  and  strong  enough 
to  support  a  crop,  outside  of  thinning  and  cutting  out  cross  limbs,  no  further  prun- 
ing is  necessary.  Experienced  growers  have  learned  that  the  shortening  process  of 
pruning,  if  carried  on  successively  each  year,  causes  the  growth  of  too  much 
young  wood,  which,  although  not  strictly  speaking  suckers,  nevertheless  does  not 
produce  fruit.  The  fruit  bearing  branches  assume  a  weeping  tendency,  produce 
a  large  number  of  fruit  bearing  spurs,  but  very  little  new  wood.  These  remarks 
refer  more  especially  to  California,  and  should  be  modified  where  climatic  con- 
ditions are  radically  different,  in  which  case  the  wise  planter  will  be  guided  by 
the  practice  pursued  by  experienced  plum  growers  in  his  neighborhood. 


THE     GAVIOTA 

It  is  a  cross  of  Americana  and  Japan,  with  probably  half  a  dozen  other 
varieties  combined  with  it.  This  plum  has  so  many  points  in  its  favor  that 
we  feel  safe  in  recommending  it  as  one  of  the  very  best  of  the  latest 
varieties  of  table  and  shipping  sorts.  It  is  of  the  largest  size,  and  Prof.  E.  J. 
Wickson,  acting  director  of  the  United  States  Experiment  Station  at  Berke- 
ley, and  Professor  of  Horticulture  in  the  University  of  California,  writes  of  it 
as  follows: 

It  is  a  strikingly  handsome  fruit,  mostly  cherry  red,  very  spreading  and  almost  concealing 
a  rich  golden  sub-color  which,  however,  asserts  itself  near  the  stem  end.  In  size  it  is  2^  inches 
longitudinal  by  2  inches  cross  diameter,  and  the  size  of  the  pit  resembling  in  contour  that  of  a 
rice  kernel;  also  by  its  exceedingly  small  size  —  7g  of  an  inch  longitudinal  by  5s  of  an  an  inch 
cross  diameter  and  only  !g  of  an  inch  in  thickness.  By  actual  weight  the  pit  constitutes  one 
and  four-tenths  per  cent  of  the  fruit. 

Actually,  the  pit  is  so  small  in  comparison  with  the  size  of  the  fruit  that 
one  is  almost  apt  to  exclaim,  "  Why,  it  is  seedless." 

Its  time  of  ripening,  as  indicated  by  Mr.  Burbank  in  his  description  of  this 
fruit,  applies  to  conditions  at  Santa  Rosa.  In  the  interior  valleys,  the  season 
would  undoubtedly  be  fully  two  weeks  earlier.  Mr.  Burbank  describes  it  as 
follows: 


FRUIT  AND   FOLIAGE  GAVIOTA  PLUM 

Two-thirds  natural  size.     By  A.  Lunzer. 


Three   New  Plums  of  Merit 


Ever  since  the  summer  of  1900  this  superb  hybrid  shipping  plum  has  been  under  careful 
investigation  on  the  experimental  farm  each  season  and  the  trees  have  never  failed  to  produce  a 
good  crop  of  fine  large  fruit.  Neither  the  fruit  or  the  trees  have  shown  any  disease  or  defect 
during  all  this  test,  and  at  the  same  time  of  this  writing.  July  25,  1907,  are  again  loaded  with 
large,  beautiful  fruit.  While  the  trees  do  not  make  such  a  phenomenal  growth  as  the  Formosa, 
yet  the  trees  are  vigorous  and  productive.  Gaviota  trees  are  rather  upright  in  growth 
until  they  have  grown  several  successive  crops,  when  the  branches  take  a  more  weeping  habit, 
but  not  more  so  than  other  plum  trees  which  bear  so  heavily. 

Gaviota,  is  a  late  bloomer,  hence  always  escapes  every  emergency,  produc- 
ing each  season  a  full  crop  even  when  nearly  all  others  fail  from  late  spring 
frosts  or  rains  during  the  blooming  period.  The  fruit  is  of  a  deep  reddish  purple 
when  ripe.  Flesh  remarkably  firm,  honey  yellow,  very  fragrant  and  sweet  and 
of  excellent  quality. 

One  of  the  very  best  shipping  plums,  keeping  fully  as  well  as  the  always 
popular  VVickson  and  Burbank  and  ripening  up  well  a  week  or  more  after  being 
picked  green.  Its  season  here  is  July  15  to  August  5,  with  the  Wickson,  and  just 
after  Santa  Rosa.  This  thoroughly  tested  variety  will  take  its  place  as  one  of  the 
best  shipping  plums. 

Distribution  and  Soils. — The  Plum  being  among  the  hardiest  of  the  stone 
fruits,  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  the  Gaviota  will  grow  in  a  climate  where 
zero  weather  prevails,  requiring  possibly  in  the  colder  regions  some  protection 
during  the  winter  months.  It  succeeds  best  in  a  good  sandy  or  loamy  soil,  with 
an  open  well  drained  subsoil.  In  planting,  the  ground  should  be  well  broken  up 
by  thorough  plowing,  and  the  holes  dug  sufficiently  large  to  enable  the  roots  to 
spread  and  grow.  In  a  rich  soil  the  growth  is  apt  to  be  vigorous,  requiring 
pruning  much  like  our  suggestions  with  the  Formosa.  Low  pruning  is  the  re- 
cognized method  in  California.  In  planting  we  always  advise  that  the  general 
system  and  oare  bestowed  on  the  most  successful  plum  orchards  in  any  given 
locality  be  duly  observed  and  followed. 


THE    VESUVIUS 

The  tree  is  worthy  of  its  name,  for  its  color  is  so  surpassingly  beautiful 
that  while  it  excites  admiration  at  a  distance,  closer  examination  only  intensi- 
fies the  first  expression  of  delight  which  its  beautiful  foilage  is  sure  to  arouse. 
It  is  somewhat  like  Prunus  pissardi,  the  old  Purple  -  Leaved  Plum,  but  so  su- 
perior that  the  old  purple-leaved  plum  will  become  obsolete.  Its  fruit  is  of  a 
deep  rich  color,  possessed  of  a  pleasant  acid  flavor.  It  is  not  a  very  prolific  bearer, 
hence  we  recommend  it  only  as  a  striking  foliage  tree  worthy  of  a  place  in 
every  garden  and  park.  We  give  Mr.  Burbank' s  description  and  do  not  believe 
that  we  can  add  anything  further  except  to  say  that  we  endorse  all  his  state- 
ments excepting  that  he  does  not  do  full  justice  to  this  most  beautiful  foliage 
tree: 

The  Prunus  pissardi,  a  crimson-leaved  form  of  the  Prunus  myrobalana  introduced  twenty 
years  ago,  is  the  only  good  purple-leaved  plum  generally  known.  For  the  past  eighteen  years 
have  been  raising  hybrids  of  this  and  Americana  and  Japan  plums,  hundreds  of  which  are 


8  Luther  Burbank's  Late  Introductions 

superior  to  the  original  well-known  pissardi  in  all  respects;  but  among  all  known  crimson- 
leaved  trees  of  any  kind  Vesuvius  stands  alone.  The  trees  are  tremendous  growers,  taking  on 
a  peculiarly  picturesque  appearance;  branches  deep  purplish  crimson,  leaves  gigantic,  (often 
four  and  one-half  inches  wide  by  six  long, )  but  above  all,  these  great  leaves  are  of  the  most 
beautiful  metallic  crimson  color  throughout,  both  on  the  upper  and  under  surface,  having  a 
crumpled  surface  very  much  like  a  Coleus.  Nothing  in  this  line  can  compare  with  Vesuvius 
in  color.  Tree  a  very  strong  grower,  taking  the  graceful  form  of  the  American  elm.  Fruit  nearly 
globular,  three  and  one-half  inches  around,  fair  quality  especially  for  cooking,  but  not  an  abund- 
dant  producer  of  fruit.  Any  tree  which  produces  such  beautiful  foliage  should  not  be  expected 
to  produce  much  fruit.  The  growth  and  foliage  of  Vesuvius  will  make  it  the  coming  tree  for 
foliage  effect,  beautiful  in  the  distance,  but  more  so  on  closer  inspection. 

Planting  and  Treatment. — Nothing  we  can  say  so  forcibly  illustrates  the 
gorgeous  coloring  of  this  new  purple-leaved  variety  as  the  fine  illustration 
we  show  of  it  as  a  frontispiece.  Allowing  for  the  fact  that  in  this  picture  the 
leaves  are  less  than  one-half  their  natural  size,  its  transcendent  beauty  is 
obvious.  Indeed,  there  is  scarcely  a  single  deciduous  tree  which  for  gorgeous 
coloring  lends  so  striking  a  beauty  to  the  lawn,  conservatory  or  fruit  garden. 

In  planting  and  treatment  follow  the  usual  routine  with  other  varieties  of 
plums,  only  in  pruning  be  careful  after  the  head  is  once  established  to  prune  to 
an  upper  bud,  as  this  tends  to  bring  out  the  beautiful  weeping  effect. 


THE    SANTA    ROSA 

No  one  fruit  has  so  strongly  individualized  the  name  of  Luther  Burbank 
as  the  plum.  Some  twenty  varieties,  now  well  known  and  very  widely  grown,  are 
the  result  of  his  creative  genius,  all  of  which  have  stood  the  test  of  experience 
with  growers  and  in  the  markets  of  the  world.  As  a  natural  result  his  latest, 
the  Santa  Rosa,  is  in  every  way  not  only  a  superior  fruit  from  every  point  of 
view,  but  must  be  regarded  as  the  best  thing  in  the  way  of  plums  that  has  come 
from  his  hands.  It  has  been  under  trial  on  his  fine  experimental  grounds  at  Sebas- 
topol  for  the  past  eight  years,  during  which  time  it  has  never  failed  to  produce 
bounteous  crops  of  uniformly  large  perfect  fruits  of  a  deep  purplish-crimson 
color  averaging  six  inches  in  circumference  each  way.  It  possesses  every 
essential  to  a  marked  degree  to  make  it  a  prime  favorite  among  growers  where- 
ever  the  plum  luxuriates.  It  is  a  good  grower,  good  bearer,  fine  shipper,  good 
keeper,  and  in  every  way  a  money-maker.  No  plum  grower  can  afford  to  neglect 
it,  and  no  family  orchard  should  be  without  a  few  trees. 

At  the  Lewis  and  Clark  World's  Fair,  held  at  Portland,  Oregon,  in  1905, 
the  exhibit  of  the  Santa  Rosa  Plum  attracted  wide  attention  on  account  of  its 
beauty  and  great  size.  Its  merit  made  so  strong  an  appeal  to  the 
Board  of  Judges  that  it  was  awarded  a  Special  Gold  Medal,  in  competition 
with  all  other  similar  fruits  on  exhibition  from  this  and  neighboring  States. 

Distribution,  Climates  and  Soils.  Like  most  kindred  plums  it  is  safe  to  say 
that  the  Santa  Rosa  will  be  found  suitable  to  a  wide  range  of  climates.  As  an 
indication  of  this,  we  have  only  to  cite  the  fact  that  the  Burbank  (another 


FRUIT    AND   FOLIAGE    SANTA    ROSA    PLUM. 

Natural   size.    By   A.   Lnn:er. 


The  New  Santa  Rosa  Plum 


of  Mr.  Burbank's  discoveries)  has  found  a  congenial  existence  in  so  cold  a  climate 
as  Minnesota  and  portions  of  Canada,  which  leads  us  to  believe  that  the  "Santa 
Rosa"  is  destined  to  win  a  place  equally  advantageous.  Hence  it  is  well  worthy 
of  trial  culture  wherever  plums  are  found  to  grow  and  produce  fruit.  As  to 
general  treatment,  that  is  much  a  matter  of  location,  which  will  suggest  itself 
by  the  general  practice  with  plum  trees  under  prevailing  local  conditions. 

Blooming  and  Fruiting.  The  Santa  Rosa  plum  in  California  is  considered 
a  medium  early  bloomer,  and  it  is  presumed  it  will  maintain  this  characteristic 
quite  generally  wherever  planted.  In  this  state  it  has  never  failed  to  yield  an 
abundant  crop,  though  until  the  past  two  years,  it  is  as  yet  but  sparingly  intro- 
duced. 

Quality  and  Value  of  Fruit.  The  superb  market  quality  of  the  Santa  Rosa 
plum  has  never  been  equaled.  As  a  shipping  fruit  it  is  the  peer  of  them  all, — 
"standing  up"  under  the  most  trying  conditions.  The  plums  are  a  deep  purplish 
crimson  with  a  pale  blue  bloom,  each  fruit  averaging  six  inches  in  circumference 
each  way;  the  flesh  near  the  skin  is  purple  shaded  with  rosy  scarlet  and  pale 
amber  towards  the  stone,  which  is  quite  small;  the  eating  quality  is  unequaled, 
rich,  fragrant,  delicious,  surpassingly  exquisite;  ripens  with  the  earliest,  nearly 
a  week  before  Climax  and  Red  June,  and  two  weeks  earlier  than  the  Burbank. 
The  Santa  Rosa  has  been  so  thoroughly  tested  that  we  feel  certain  that  every 
grower  who  will  plant  and  care  for  the  trees  properly,  and  whose  soil  and  climate 
afford  good  plum  conditions,  will,  if  he  plants  this  grand  plum,  find  that  we  have 
not  exaggerated  its  fine  qualities. 

Habit  of  Growth.  The  tree  is  a  strong,  vigorous,  upright  grower.  In  habit 
it  much  resembles  the  ever  popular  Wickson  with  even  larger  and  more  abundant 
foliage,  thus  affording  ample  protection  to  the  fruit.  The  period  after  planting 
at  which  it  will  bear  depends  on  prevailing  conditions  of  soil  and  climate.  It 
is  Mr.  Burbank's  experience  that  in  favorable  situations  it  will  yield  fifty  pounds 
of  fruit  when  the  trees  are  three  years  of  age;  this  will  of  course  be  more  or  less 
modified  by  the  character  of  the  soil,  climate,  care  and  cultivation  given  an 
orchard. 

Judge  S.  F.  Lieb  of  San  Jose,  a  prominent  grower  and  a  recognized  authority 
on  fruit  culture,  has  given  this  plum  a  thorough  test,  and  writes  as  follows  touching 
on  its  many  admirable  qualities : 

San  Jose,  Cal.,  October  10,  1906. 
Fancher  Creek  Nurseries,  Fresno,  Cal., 

Gentlemen  :  —  Your  favor  of  the  29th  at  hand.  I  have  had  the  Santa  Rosa  plum  fruiting 
in  an  experimental  way  for  four  or  five  years;  I  have  therefore  tested  it  out  very  thoroughly. 

Everything  considered,  I  am  of  the  opinion  that  it  is  by  all  odds  the  finest  all  around  plum 
Mr.  Burbank  has  yet  produced,  and  I  have  kept  close  track  of  all  of  them.  It  is  a  fine  grower, 
the  wood  is  very  tough  and  the  limbs  will  not  break.  It  is  a  sure  and  regular  bearer  and  bears 
always  most  abundantly.  It  does  not  have  any  off  years.  The  fruit  runs  remarkably  fine,  even  in 
size  and  astonishingly  smooth  and  clear  of  any  defects.  It  is  beautiful,  delicious  and  a  very  fine 
carrier  to  Eastern  markets.  It  will  keep  well  in  hot  weather  for  a  week  after  it  is  ripe,  so  thero 
is  no  occasion  to  pick  it  half  ripe  in  order  to  ship. 

I  intend  to  plant  it  very  largely  myself,  and  to  the  exclusion  of  all  other  shipping  plums. 

•'This  grand  plum  has  been  so  thoroughly  tested,"  writes  Mr.  Burbank, 
"that  we  offer  it  as  above,  knowing  that  all  will  be  pleased  with  it." 


10  Luther   Burbank's   Late  Introductions 


THE     PLUMCOT 

As  its  name  clearly  indicates,  this  new  candidate  for  horticultural  honors,  is  a 
cross  between  the  plum  and  apricot, — a  feat  deemed  impossible  of  accomplish- 
ment a  few  years  ago.  That  its  perfection  was  a  matter  of  patient  labor,  close 
study  and  keen  observation  goes  without  saying,  but  with  a  continuity  and 
singleness  of  purpose  Burbank  has  been  successful  in  overcoming  all  obstacles 
thereby  creating  a  fruit  which  happily  partakes  of  the  qualities  of  both  parent 
stocks.  In  this  endeavor  many  have  been  produced  and  amalgamated,  resulting 
finally  in  what  has  been  called  "The  Rutland  Plumcot"  in  honor  of  an  Austra- 
lian admirer.  Mr.  Burbank  does  not  by  any  means  consider  it  a  perfect  fruit, 
but  it  does  possess  some  strong  points  of  special  interest  to  fruit  growers.  For 
instance,  though  not  a  heavy  bearer,  it  produces  fine  large  fruits  in  liberal 
quantities  every  year  where  apricots  fail,  thus  to  a  great  extent  increasing  the 
area  for  that  fruit. 

Distribution,  Soils  and  Climate.  By  reason  of  its  parentage,  the  Rutland 
Plumcot  will  not  only  flourish  in  all  portions  of  California,  but  it  is  the  conviction 
of  those  who  know  it  best,  that  it  will  do  well  in  the  sheltered  portions  of  Arizona, 
Southwestern  Texas,  along  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  the  extreme  southern  States  and 
as  far  north  as  Washington  and  Maryland.  All  the  stone  fruits,  excepting  the 
apricot,  will  withstand  considerable  cold,  and  the  Plumcot  possessing  some  of 
the  elements  of  the  plum,  its  culture  is  feasible  where  the  apricot  would  be  con- 
sidered hazardous.  It  finds  congenial  conditions  in  a  well  drained  loamy  sandy 
soil,  and  is  keenly  responsive  to  intensive  culture. 

Blooming  and  Fruiting.  Though  recognized  as  an  unusually  early  bloomer, 
it  nevertheless  possesses  characteristics  insuring  regular  crops.  The  flowers  ap- 
pear continuously  over  a  considerable  period  of  time,  thus  enabling  it  to  escape 
late  spring  frosts,  where  the  apricot,  under  identical  conditions,  bringing  forth 
its  blooms  all  at  one  time,  suffers  a  total  loss  of  its  crop.  This  of  itself  is  an  im- 
portant feature  in  its  favor,  especially  in  localities  subject  to  spring  frosts. 

Character  and  Value  of  its  Fruit.  Obviously  the  amalgamation  of  the  apricot 
and  the  plum  must  produce  a  fruit  unique  in  character,  hence  its  economic  value, 
is  a  matter  still  largely  to  be  determined  by  its  development  and  the  exploitation 
of  its  uses.  One  of  the  striking  features  of  the  Rutland  Plumcot  is  its  brilliant  red 
flesh  possessed  of  a  strong  sub-acid  flavor  rendering  it  a  favorite  for  cooking, 
jellies  and  jams.  When  fully  ripe,  it  is  a  fair  dessert  fruit,  possessing  a  pleas- 
ant apricot-plum  flavor.  Fruit  about  the  size  of  an  ordinary  apricot  with  a  deep 
purple  velvety  skin. 

Habit  of  Growth.  The  tree  is  in  every  sense  an  object  of  beauty,  growing 
much  like  a  weeping  willow  with  long  pendulous  branches  which  bend  gracefully 
over.  Foliage  small,  somewhat  thin,  resembling  rather  more  that  of  the  plum 
than  that  of  the  apricot. 

The  demand  for  this  fruit  has  been  so  urgent  that  Mr.  Burbank  has  consented 
to  send  it  out  in  the  face  of  the  fact  that  he  does  not  think  he  has  developed  it 
to  its  highest  possibilities.  Its  many  fine  qualities  coupled  with  its  possibilities 
merit  at  least  trial  culture  by  the  advanced  horticulturists  of  the  country. 


THE    RUTLAND    PLUMCOT. 


Natural  size,     fiv  A.  Lunzer. 


The  Paradox   Walnut  11 


A  LUMBER,  FUEL  AND  SHADE  TREE 

RAPID    GROWING.     FINE  SHAPE.     DENSE  WOOD. 

THE   NEW   HYBRID  WALNUT,  THE   PARADOX 

Juglans   Californica  X  Juglans   Regia. 

THERE  is  a  demand  everywhere  for  a  rapid  growing  deciduous  tree  for  fuel 
and  lumber  pui  poses,  street  and  avenue  planting,  and  wherever  immediate 
tree  growth  is  demanded.  The  Blue  Gum  (Eucalyptus  globulus )  among  ever- 
green trees  will  always  hold  its  own;  but  where  a  deciduous  tree  is  desired  this 
new  hybrid  walnut  is  destined  to  occupy  the  very  first  place.  In  rapidity  of 
growth  it  is  suggestive  of  such  quick-growing  trees  as  the  Blue  Gum,  far  out- 
distancing all  other  nut  trees  in  rapidity  of  growth,  size  of  foliage  and  beauty 
of  form.  Budded  trees  six  years  of  age  under  the  same  conditions  are  fully 
twice  as  large,  broad  and  tall  as  Black  Walnut  trees  at  ten,  or  Persian  walnut 
trees  at  fifteen  years  of  age.  Twelve  to  sixteen  feet  growth  in  the  nursery 
rows  the  first  years  is  not  unusual:  thus  the  hybrid  grows  twice  as  fast  as  the 
combined  growth  of  both  its  parents.  The  leaves,  which  are  from  two  feet 
to  a  full  yard  in  length,  are  clean  cut,  glossy,  bright  green,  have  a  surpassing 
sweet  odor  resembling  that  of  fragrant  apples  and  as  powerful  and  peculiar  as 
that  of  roses  and  lilies. 

The  bark  is  thin,  smooth,  light  gray  with  marblings  of  white;  the  wood  is 
very  compact,  with  lustrous  silky  grain,  taking  a  beautiful  polish,  and  as  the  annual 
layers  of  growth  are  an  inch  or  more  in  thickness  and  the  medullary  rays  promin- 
ent the  effect  is  unique.  This  hybrid  originated  in  1888  from  a  cross  made  the 
year  before;  like  many  true  hybrids,  though  blossoming  freely  every  season,  it 
seldom  bears  nuts  but  is  readily  budded  or  grafted  on  thrifty  young  Black  Wal- 
nut stock.  As  an  ornamental  tree  it  is  peerless  and  for  wood  and  lumber  possesses 
merit  wholly  out  of  the  ordinary.  In  shape  and  habit  of  growth  it  is  very  pleas- 
ing to  the  eye,  rendering  it  especially  desirable  for  ornamental  purposes.  In 
planting  the  Paradox  Walnut  the  beauty  of  the  landscape  is  enhanced  during 
the  winter  by  its  absence  of  foliage  and  likewise  in  summer  affording  a  comfort- 
ing protection  from  the  hot  sun  by  its  presence.  Its  nuts  possess  little  com- 
mercial value  and  are  rarely  produced  even  on  old  trees. 

QUICK-GROWING  STREET  AND  AVENUE  TREE 

The  illustrations  of  this  new  walnut  are  views  of  the  trees  from  which  our 
measurements  have  been  made.  These  trees  are  growing  on  the  street  corner  of 
Mr.  Burbank's  historical  home.  His  commodious  new  house  was  almost  completed 
when  the  view  was  taken  of  the  tree  in  foliage  and  is  seen  directly  across  the 
street.  For  avenue  purposes  few  if  any  trees  are  superior  to  this  exceedingly  rapid 


12 


Luther  Burbank's  Late  Introductions 


growing  walnut.  The  writer  has  seen  trees  of  the  California  Black  Walnut  and 
Paradox  five  years  old,  planted  in  orchard  form,  and  the  Paradox  was  fully  ten 
inches  in  diameter,  while  the  California  Black,  taking  the  very  best  tree  for  com- 
parison, did  not  measure  over  seven  inches.  Leaving  out  its  value,  which  is  un- 
questioned for  timber,  avenue  and  street  planting,  the  fact  that  it  is  such  a  re- 
markably strong  grower  makes  it  additionally  valuable  to  serve  as  a  stock  for 
grafting.  Another  point,  which  should  be  borne  in  mind  is  that  the  French  and 


The    Paradox    Walnut   Tree    in    foliage. 

Sixteen  years  old;  planted  on  hard   side  walk;  never  irrigated;  height,  60  feet; 
spread  of  limbs,  75  feet;  trunk,  3  feet  from  the  ground,  26  inches  in  diameter 

English  walnuts  have  a  greater  affinity  for  this  stock  than  they  have  for  the  Cali- 
fornia Black  Walnut.  The  Paradox  takes  very  readily  on  the  California  Black 
Walnut  root,  even  more  so  than  the  Royal,  and  makes  almost  twice  the  growth  in 
the  nursery  rows.  In  grafting  Paradox  in  nursery  rows  on  California  Black  Wal- 
nut, no  difficulty  is  experienced  in  securing  a  seventy-five  per  cent  stand. 

Adaptability.      The   French   Walnuts    find    congenial    conditions    at   Inter- 
laken,   Switzerland,  at  the  base  of  the  Jungfrau   in  the  Swiss  Alps,  where  it  is 


The  Paradox  Walnut 


13 


intensely  cold  in  the  winter  months.  The  writer  has  seen  these  trees,  and  they 
are  hundreds  of  years  old  and  are  in  the  thriftiest  condition.  It  is  of  historical 
interest  to  record  that  during  the  Revolutionary  war  George  Washington  camped 
in  an  English  walnut  grove  situated  within  what  is  now  a  portion  of  Greater 
New  York  City.  This  historical  grove  bore  nuts  during  its  existence,  which  only 


The    Paradox   Walnut  Tree    dormant. 

ended  some  twenty  years  ago,  .when  the  land  was  required  for  building  pur- 
poses; clearly  indicating  its  wide  and  diverse  geographical  distribution  and  its 
capability  of  luxuriating  in  a  cold  climate.  Indeed,  the  common  English  and 
so-called  French  walnuts  (which  are  practically  alike)  will  thrive  fairly  well  in 
Central  New  England,  suffering  from  damage  by  biting  cold  only  in  the 
destruction  of  the  tips  of  the  branches.  Large  trees  are  found  here  and 
there  which  produce  a  few  nuts  occasionally.  The  very  fact  that  the 


14  Luther  Burbank's  Late  Introductions 

English  Walnut  is  hardy  in  Interlaken  is  sufficient  evidence  that  the  Paradox,  which 
is  a  cross  between  the  English  and  the  hardy  California  Black,  will  find  conditions 
throughout  the  eastern  and  western  states,  where  there  are  great  extremes  of  cold 
in  the  winter  months ,  congenial  to  its  growth  and  development.  Late  observa- 
tions clearly  go  to  prove  that  the  Paradox  will  stand  frost  much  better  than  was 
at  first  supposed.  Advices  based  on  actual  experiments  go  to  show  that  it  will 
grow  well  over  the  Pacific  Coast  States  and  Territories,  throughout  the  South- 
west, and  the  Gulf  and  Atlantic  Southern  States  as  far  north  as  Pennsylvania, 
and  possibly  throughout  most  of  the  northern  States. 

Planting.  Do  not  fail  to  dig  the  hole  in  which  the  tree  is  to  be  set,  at  least 
two  feet  in  diameter  and  two  and  one-half  feet  deep,  and  loosen  up  the  soil  as 
deeply  as  possible  in  the  bottom  of  the  hole.  When  the  tree  is  set,  the  collar 
should  not  be  more  than  two  inches  below  the  surface  of  the  ground.  The 
planter  should  always  bear  in  mind  that  the  soil  must  always  be  well  packed 
around  the  roots  at  the  time  of  planting. 

Winter  Protection.  In  every  cold  climate,  for  at  least  two  years  after  the 
trees  are  planted,  they  should  be  wrapped  with  corn  stalks.  Rye  straw  would 
answer  if  corn  stalks  are  not  available. 

Nuts.  For  some  unexplainable  reason  this  variety  never  produces  many  nuts 
and  those  that  are  produced  are  retained  by  Mr.  Burbank  for  planting  with  a 
view,  by  selection,  of  still  further  improving  this  tree. 

Timber.  The  wood  of  the  Paradox  Walnut  is  in  every  respect  the  equal 
of  the  celebrated  Cashmere  Walnut  lumber  now  so  extensively  used  for  picture 
framing.  It  works  up  smoother  and  has  a  finer  compact  grain  than  the  ordi- 
nary Black  Walnut.  As  the  tree  grows  several  times  faster,  often  averaging  1% 
inches  in  diameter  annually  on  good  soil  in  California,  it  certainly  possesses  un- 
usual attractions  to  the  timber  grower.  Its  parent,  the  common  English  Walnut,  on 
cultivated  ground  at  Santa  Rosa,  California,  at  thirty-three  years  of  age,  showed 
a  total  growth  of  nine  to  twelve  inches  in  diameter,  while  at  only  sixteen  years 
of  age  the  Paradox  on  a  dry,  hard  sidewalk  is  over  two  feet  in  diameter  at  four 
feet  from  the  ground.  It  is  well  to  bear  in  mind  that  walnut  trees  require  a 
year  or  two  to  make  a  strong  tap  root  and  become  well  established. 

In  view  of  these  facts,  it  is  pertinent  to  ask,  what  will  be  the  size  of  Para- 
dox trees  when  thirty-three  years  of  age?  Will  they  not  be  four  times  as  great 
in  diameter  at  the  ordinary  Black  Walnut  at  the  same  age?  At  Santa  Rosa, 
San  Jose,  Campbell  and  other  California  points,  where  both  varieties  are  grow- 
ing side  by  side,  these  facts  are  now  self-evident.  Touching  the  high  quality  of  the 
lumber  cut  from  Paradox  logs,  the  accompanying  illustrations  tell  their  own 
story.  Note  the  compact  grain  of  the  wood,  the  fine  gradations  of  light  and 
dark  shadings  so  essential  and  pleasing  in  interior  finishing  and  cabinet  work. 
When  to  these  is  coupled  unusual  strength,  durability  and  other  good  qualities, 
we  certainly  have  an  ideal  high-grade  lumber. 


The  Paradox   Walnut 


15 


Foliage  of  Royal  Hybrid 


Foliage  of  the  Paradox  Walnut 


OFFICIAL  RECOGNITION  OF  THE  PARADOX 

In  1877  Luther  Burbank  crossed  Juglans  regia  with  pistillate  flowers  of  J.  Californica. 
Resultant  nuts  were  planted  in  1878,  and  in  ten  years  the  tree  from  one  made  the  remarkable 
growth  of  twelve  inches  in  diameter  at  two  feet  from  the  ground.  It  was  then  accidentally 
destroyed.  Buds  that  had  previously  been  secured  and  set  on  other  stocks  show  the  same 
luxuriant  growth  of  wood  and  foliage.  Trees  of  these,  four  years  from  bud,  transplanted  to  a 
hard  sidewalk,  were  in  1891  said  to  t>e  as  large  as  California  trees  ten  years  of  age;  the  leaves 
have  a  very  strong,  delightful  fragrance  of  new  apples,  unlike  any  other  tree.  The  bark  is  light 
colored,  thin,  and  very  smooth.  Specimen  leaves  nearly  a  yard  in  length,  and  a  photograph  of 
the  budded  tree,  sent  to  the  Division  of  Pomology  in  1892,  indicate  that  the  tree  is  a  shapely, 
symmetrical  grower  that  furnishes  abundant  shade.  Mr.  Burbank  says:  "  No  other  tree  that 
I  have  seen,  except  Eucalyptus,  will  equal  this  in  growth."  This  tree  has  not  yet  fruited.  He 
has  some  crosses  of  J.  nigra  and  J.  Californica,  of  which  one  is  six  years  old  and  exceedingly 
handsome. — [U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture,  1896. 


16 


Luther  Burbank's  Late  Introductions 


THE  LUMBER  TREE  OF  THE  FUTURE 

THE    NEW    HYBRID 

THE  ROYAL  BLACK  WALNUT 

Juglans   nigra  X  Juglans   Californica. 


Eastern  Black 


Royal  Hybrid 


Cal.  Native  Black 


OF  all  the  forest  trees  adapted  to  the  making  of  high-grade  lumber  in  this 
country,  not  one  posesses  a  greater  commercial  value  than  the  Black  Walnut 
(Juglans  nigra),  nor  is  there  another  tree  which  has  so  ruthlessly  been  cut  away 
from  the  landscape  of  its  native  habitat.  The  rich  forests  of  the  upper  Mississ- 
ippi Valley  are  practically  exhausted,  with  the  result  that  its  lumber  now  possesses 
the  highest  value  in  the  American  markets.  Indeed,  its  value  makes  it  prohibitive 
to  a  large  extent  for  the  purposes  to  which  it  was  originally  used  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  furniture  and  interior  house  finishing.  The  result  is  that  it  is  now  exten- 
sively used  as  a  veneer  face  to  other  and  cheaper  woods.  The  old  tree  is  a  slow 
grower,  which  fact  has  somewhat  retarded  reforestation  and  planting  for  pur- 
poses of  lumber. 


FINISHED    LUMBER    OF   THE    PARADOX    WALNUT. 


FINISHED    LUMBER    OF   THE    ROYAL    BLACK    WALNUT. 


The  Royal  Black   Walnut  17 

These  considerations  have  become  more  pronounced  as  the  native  trees 
have  become  exhausted,  and  the  feasibility  of  growing  the  Black  Walnut  for  tim- 
ber purposes  has  often  been  urged  on  land  owners  and  foresters.  The  principal 
obstacle  has  been  the  rather  slow  growth  of  the  tree,  it  requiring  something  more 
than  twenty  years  to  produce  sawable  logs.  These  conditions  excited  the  mind 
of  Mr.  Burbank  to  the  feasibility  of  hybridizing  the  Black  Walnut  (Juglans  nigra ) 
of  the  Mississippi  valley  with  the  California  variety  (J.  California)  with  the  hope 
that  the  hybrid  would  produce  a  wood  of  fine  quality  and  a  tree  which  for  rapidity 
of  growth  would  produce  merchantable  timber  in  half  the  time  required  by  the 
Black  Walnut, — a  feat  possible  only  by  the  patience;  care,  minute  observation 
and  "know  how"  of  a  Burbank.  Hybridization  among  the  black  walnuts  is 
impossible  in  the  wild  state.  The  Royal  is  the  first  case  on  record  of  its  hav- 
ing been  accomplished  artificially. 

It  is  the  first  hybrid  of  this  kind  ever  brought  to  the  attention  of  botanists 
and  horticulturists.  The  original  tree  was  produced  in  1878  by  crossing  the 
American  Black  Walnut  (Juglans  nigra)  and  the  California  black  walnut  (J. 
Calif ornica).  The  first  year  of  its  existence  it  outgrew  all  other  trees  in  its  vi- 
cinity and  at  the  end  of  the  first  season  was  fully  four  times  as  large  as  the  most 
rapid  growers  of  its  kind.  All  the  trees  grafted  from  it  have  maintained 
this  phenomenal  development,  holding  its  own  with  any  other  tree  which 
can  be  grown  in  temperate  climates.  Unlike  many  hybrids  these  trees  produce 
large  nuts  in  the  utmost  profusion  at  an  early  age  even  while  making  such  a 
wonderful  growth.  The  nuts  are  larger  and  of  much  better  quality  than  ordinary 
black  walnuts  which  are  not  generally  esteemed  for  food  purposes.  The  great 
value  of  this  new  creation  is  for  lumber  and  fuel  and  incidentally  as  a  shade  and 
ornamental  tree  of  great  beauty  and  grand  proportions.  It  has  proven  to  be 
hardy  wherever  the  common  Black  Walnut  thrives.  Practical  lumbermen  were 
at  first  in  doubt  if  such  a  rapid  growing  tree  could  produce  dark,  hard,  close 
grained  wood  of  a  silky  fibre  which  would  take  a  fine  polish,  but  on  trial  the 
wood  has  been  found  to  have  all  the  best  qualities  of  the  ordinary  black  walnut 
lumber  in  perfection.  The  wood  is  exceedingly  hard,  close  grained,  takes  a  silky 
polish  and  is  even  superior  to  ordinary  black  walnut  lumber,  more  nearly  re- 
sembling the  tropical  mahogany. 

The  Royal  makes  such  an  unequaled  growth  that  it  will  be  best  to  plant 
the  trees  for  timber  growing  about  fifteen  feet  apart  each  way  and  when 
six  to  ten  years  of  age  half  of  the  trees  should  be  removed  to  give  the  remainder 
room.  Cultivation  during  the  first  few  years  is  of  great  advantage.  Any  ordin- 
ary crop  can  be  grown  among  the  trees  until  they  claim  the  whole  space. 

Soil.  The  Royal  as  well  as  the  Paradox  will  be  found  adapted  to  almost 
any  good  average  soil,  providing  there  is  not  a  stratum  of  rock  or  hardpan  close 
to  the  surface;  and  if  proper  care  is  taken  to  blast  out  the  hard  pan  before  plant- 
ing, even  such  soil  will  develop  strong,  thrifty  trees.  As  might  naturally  be  in- 
ferred, a  deep,  alluvial  soil,  moderately  moist,  will  produce  larger,  finer  and 
thriftier  trees  in  a  shorter  time  than  a  soil  not  possessing  these  qualifications. 


18 


Luther  Burbank's  Late  Introductions 


The  Royal   Black  Walnut  in  Foliage. 

Sixteen  years  old;   height,    100  feet;  spread  of   limbs,  54 
feet;  trunk,  3  feet  from   the  ground,  3  feet  in  diameter. 

Seedlings  versus  Grafted  Trees.  The  Royal  Walnut  was  selected  from  thous- 
ands of  seedlings  raised  by  Mr.  Burbank  as  the  thriftiest  tree  in  the  lot  at  the 
time  he  was  experimenting  in  the  development  of  a  rapid-growing  tree  for  tim- 
ber purposes.  The  very  fact  that  the  scions  from  which  our  trees  are  grown,  were 


The  Royal  Black   Walnut 


19 


The    Royal    Black  Walnut   dormant 

cut  from  this  magnificent  specimen,  gives  the  purchasers  the  assurance  that  they 
are  receiving  trees  true  to  the  original  type.  Those  purchasing  seedlings  must 
bear  in  mind  that  they  may  or  may  not  equal  the  parent  tree  in  rapidity  of 
growth  and  habit.  This  is  a  chance  taken  by  the  purchaser.  On  the  other  hand 
with  grafted  trees,  we  can  guarantee  the  trees  we  sell  to  be  identical  to  the  origi- 
nal tree. 


20  Luther  Burbank's  Late  Introductions 

Nuts  and  Method  of  Planting.  We  will  be  pleased  to  supply  nuts  as  long 
as  our  supply  lasts.  In  countries  with  climatic  conditions  similar  to  those  of 
California,  they  can  be  stratified  by  burying  them  in  damp  sand  or  a  loose  alluvial 
soil  about  four  inches  deep.  The  nuts  should  remain  in  the  bed  until  they  show 
signs  of  sprouting,  when  they  should  at  once  be  planted  in  nursery  form,  for 
one  or  two  seasons,  or  still  better,  in  their  permanent  location.  If  planted 
in  nursery  rows,  the  nuts  should  not  be  set  closer  than  eight  inches  and  not 
deeper  than  two  inches  below  the  surface  of  the  soil.  One  objection  to  plant- 
ing in  orchard  form  is  the  possibility  of  disturbing  the  nuts  when  cultivating  the 
ground,  and  also  that  all  of  the  nuts  may  not  grow,  which  means  the  unnecessary 
cultivation  of  a  large  amount  of  ground.  It  has  been  demonstrated  time  and 
again  that  transplanted  trees  grow  fully  as  rapidly  as  those  raised  from  the  nuts 
and  which  have  not  been  disturbed.  In  planting,  the  protruding  radicle,  which 
is  the  first  evidence  of  growth,  should  be  pointed  downward.  In  cold  climates 
where  the  ground  becomes  frozen  in  the  winter  months,  stratify  in  a  box 
of  sand  or  light  alluvial  or  sandy  soil,  which  should  be  moderately  damp.  Place  the 
box  in  a  cellar  or  pit.  Should  there  be  any  danger  of  attacks  by  ants,  a  liberal 
amount  of  wood  ashes  mixed  with  the  soil  will  repel  them.  Do  not  commence 
stratifying  in  cold  climates  earlier  than  the  middle  of  February  unless  they  are 
allowed  to  remain  out  of  doors.  Nuts  received  too  late  in  the  spring  to  permit 
their  being  stratified,  should  be  soaked  in  clear  cold  water  for  five  or  six  days, 
changing  the  water  every  day,  and  then  planted  out. 

From  Mr.  Harwood's  recent  book  on  "New  Creations  in  Plant  Life"  we  take 
the  following  paragraphs  voicing  the  opinions  of  lumbermen  and  woodworkers: 

The  new  wood  is  as  hard  as  the  old-fashioned  black  walnut,  somewhat  harder  when  fully 
seasoned. 

It  has  a  finer  grain  than  the  old  walnut  and  takes  a  higher  polish. 

It  is  nearer  the  mahogany  grades  than  any  other  walnut  and  remarkably  like  some  of  the 
tropic  mahoganies. 

Its  possibilities  when  quartered  or  when  sawn  for  other  novel  effects  in  veneers,  are  large. 

The  width  of  the  annual  growth  makes  it  peculiarly  suitahle  when  sawn  in  long  strips  for 
wainscoting  and  like  effects. 

While  the  fibre  of  the  wood  is  hard,  it  is  fine  for  working  as  well  as  for  polishing. 

Under  ordinary  good  conditions  saw  logs  can  be  expected  at  from  eight 
to  twelve  years  of  age  from  planting.  Like  most  of  its  family  it  makes  a  rather 
slow  growth  the  first  year  after  transplanting  but  when  once  established,  its 
growth  is  rapid,  firm,  and  a  delight  to  the  planter.  By  nature  it  prefers  a  deep 
alluvial  soil,  well  drained.  Indeed,  the  Royal  will  grow  along  side  of  and  under 
the  same  conditions  with  the  American  Black  Walnut  of  the  Eastern  and 
Middle  Western  States.  It  will  withstand  the  same  degree  of  frost  and  cold. 
It  is  as  hardy  as  the  oaks. 


Golden  Opinions   from  Experfl''''1 


GOLDEN   OPINIONS   FROM   EXPERTS. 

TWO    GOOD    PLUMS. 

San  Francisco,  Cal.,  September  7,  1908. 
Mr.  George  C.  Roedimj,  Fresno,  Cal. 

Dear  Sir:  In  regard  to  "  Fermosa  ",  I  have  fruited  it  on  my  place  at  Menlo  Park  for  the 
past  four  years.  I  have  also  all  of  Mr  Burbank's  principal  varieties  offered  by  the  Nurseries 
there,  and  "  Fermosa  "  I  consider  the  most  attractive  of  all  of  them  for  family  use.  Its  rich 
red  cherry  color,  uniformly  large  size,  and  unusually  rich  delicious  flavor,  make  it  the  ideal  plum. 
It  has  been  more  admired  by  triends  who  have  tasted  it  than  any  plum  growing  on  my  place. 
The  "  Santa  Rosa  "  I  have  growing,  but  as  it  has  not  yet  fruited,  I  am  able  to  speak  of  it  only 
as  I  tasted  it  at  Mr.  Burbank's  experimental  grounds  at  Sebastopol.  The  deep  purple-crimson 
color  of  tliis  plum  I  think  hardly  so  beautiful  as  that  of  "  Fermosa,"  though  doubtless  this  darker 
color  makes  it  more  desirable  to  the  trade.  Undoubtedly  no  plum  can  be  compared  to  this 
variety  for  shipping  to  Eastern  markets,  for,  in  addition  to  its  firm  flesh,  and  very  large  size, 
it  is  surpassingly  delicious  in  rich  juice  and  exquisite  flavor,  After  tasting  this  variety  at  Mr. 
Burbank's  place  every  summer  for  the  past  four  years,  I  have  uniformly  concluded  it  contains 
so  many  good  qualities  that  nothing  will  probably  surpass  it  in  the  plum  line.  Having  appre- 
ciated both  of  these  varieties  for  several  years  past  I  was  much  pleased  when  I  learned  you  had 
arranged  for  offering  them  to  the  public,  and  I  think  great  satisfaction  and  much  pleasure  will 
result  from  their  sale.  Yours  very  truly, 

J.  LEROY    NICKEL, 

of  Miller  &  Lux. 

A    FINE    CANNING    VARIETY. 

[From  The  National  Nurseryman,  August,  1908.] 

The  office  of  the  National  Nurseryman  is  in  receipt  of  a  box  containing  samples  of  Burbank's 
Santa  Rosa  plum,  forwarded  by  the  Faneher  Creek  Nurseries,  Fresno.  This  plum  is  of  the  largest 
size  of  its  class.  It  is  dark  purplish-red  in  color,  firm  and  meaty  in  flesh,  with  a  moderate-sized 
stone  which  is  adherent.  The  skin  is  tough,  indicating  good  shipping  qualities;  the  flavor  is 
a  cniorus  mingling  of  Japanese  and  Primus  simoni  qualities.  There  is,  however,  a  good  deal 
of  acidity  associated  with  the  skin.  We  are  of  the  opinion  that  it  will  prove  a  fine  canning  variety. 
The  following  is  a  more  technical  description  of  the  specimens  received: 

Form,  regularly  round  with  truncate  ends;  size,  large,  two  by  one  and  seven-eights  inches; 
cavity,  deep,  narrow,  flattened  laterally;  stem,  one-half  inch,  slender;  suture,  well  defined 
by  a  ridge,  depression  slight;  apex,  roundish,  sometimes  depressed;  skin,  smooth,  tough,  acid 
to  astringency;  color,  dull  red  with  purplish  tinge;  dots,  scattering,  small,  gray;  bloom,  none; 
juice,  abundant  colored;  flesh,  firm  but  melting,  highly  colored;  stone,  med.  size,  flat  winged, 
cling  with  Americana  characteristics;  flavor,  mild  with  peculiar  prune  flavor;  quality,  fair  to 
medium:  use,  cooking.  This  is  a  handsome  fruit  and  appears  to  combine  Japanese,  Ameri- 
cana and  Simoni  charactistics.  Keeps  well. 

LARGE,    SHOWY,    HANDSOME    AND    GOOD    QUALITY. 

Rochester,   N.   Y.,  July  24,   1908. 
Mr.    George   C.    Roeding,   Fresno,  Cal. 

Dear  Sir:     The  samples  of  Burbank's  new  plums  sent  on  the  18th  were  delivered  here  today 
the  24th,  in  good  condition.     The  three  varieties:  Santa  Rosa,  Oaviota  and  Formosa,  are  large 
showy,  handsome  and  of  good  quality.     They  seem  to  be  very  promising. 
Thanking  you  for  the  opportunity  afforded  to  test  them,  I  am, 

Yours  truly, 

W.     C.     BARRY, 
Of  Ellwanger  &  Barry,  Nurserymen. 

OF    WONDERFUL    QUALITY. 

Fancher  Creek   Nurseries,   Fresno,    Cal.  Tucson'    Arizona'    July    12<    1908' 

Gentlemen :  We  received  your  half  dozen  Santa  Rosa  plums  recently  and  were  much  interested 
in  judging  them.  Although  we  happened  to  have  no  expert  on  plums  present  at  that  time,  I 
think  we  are  all  quite  unanimous  in  thinking  them  of  wonderful  quality.  I  cannot  imagine  a 
more  luscious  fruit  of  the  plum  tribe  than  this  variety. 

Thanking  you  for  the  opportunity  to  judge  them,  I  am,         Yours   very   truly, 

R.    H.    FORBES, 
of   the  University  of  Arizona. 


Luther  Burbank's  Late  Introductions 


THE    BEST    IN    THE    PLUM    LINE. 

Glen  Saint  Mary,  Fla.,  July  16,   1908. 
Mr.   George  C.   Roeding,   Fancher  Creek  Nurseries,  Fresno,  Col. 

Dear  Sir:  We  beg  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  8th  instant  and  by  yesterday's 
express  we  received  your  box  containing  five  specimens  of  the  Santa  Rosa  plum.  One  of  the 
specimens  was  over-ripe  and  soft,  the  others  were  in  excellent  condition.  Even  a  plum  which 
had  the  skin  broken  before  packing  was  perfectly  sound.  It  is  a  very  beautiful  fruit  and  by  a 
long  odds  the  most  handsome  plum  we  have  ever  seen.  Mr.  Burbank  is  to  be  complimented 
upon  this  remarkable  production  and  we  have  every  reason  to  believe  that  it  is  the  best  variety 
in  the  plum  line  that  has  yet  been  brought  forward.  Are  you  handling  tin's  variety  for  the  trade? 
Thanking  you  for  sending  us  the  plums,  with  kind  regards,  we  remain, 

Sincerely  yours, 

GLEN   SAINT  MARY  NURSERIES  CO. 

EXCEEDS    ANYTHING    OF    THE    KIND    EVER    SEEN. 

Des  Moines,  Iowa,  July  24,  190S. 
Mr.  George,  C.  Reeding,  President  and  Manager,  Fresno,   California. 

My  Dear  Sir:  Your  esteemed  favor  of  the  18th  inst.,  advising  that  you  had  on  that  date 
expressed  to  me  samples  of  Burbank's  new  plums,  was  received  on  the  22nd. 

lleplying  would  state  that  the  plums  referred  to  were  delivered  at  our  office  at  10  a.  m.  no 
the  23rd,  and  found  to  be  firm  and  in  excellent  condition  with  but  one  exception.  One  of  the 
Santa  Rosa  specimens  was  slightly  decayed  on  one  side. 

Both  specimens  of  the  Formosa  and  Gaviota  were  in  perfect  condition,  and  if  they  were 
equally  ripe  with  the  Santa  Rosa  when  shipped,  show  better  keeping  and  carrying  qualities. 

1  thought  I  had  learned  long  ago,  not  to  be  surprised  by  anything  in  the  fruit  line,  which  hailed 
from  California;  but  these  plums  so  far  exceed  any  tiling  of  the  kind  ever  before  seen,  that  I 
am  compelled  to  recede  from  this  position.  They  were  not  only  delicious  and  of  exquisite  flavor, 
but  were  of  mammoth  size,  firm  and  a  beautiiul  rich  color. 

I  question  very  much  as  to  the  success  of  the  plum  in  this  locality,  but  feel  that  it  will  prove 
a  very  valuable  acquisition  to  the  already  large  assortment  grown  on  the  Pacific  Coast. 

J.  W.  HILL,  President  Des  Moines  Nursery  Co., 
and  President  of  American  Association  of  Nurserymen. 

ONE    OF    BURBANK'S    BEST. 

Sacramento,  Cal.,  July  9,  1908. 
George  C.  Roeding,  Fresno,  Cal. 

My  Dear  Roeding:  Since  writing  the  letter  inclosed,  I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  8th.  It 
so  happened  that  the  fruit  came  ahead  of  your  letter. 

I  remarked  that  the  plums  you  sent  were  smaller  for  the  kind,  much  smaller  indeed,  than  those 
sent  us  by  Mr.  Burbank  two  years  ago  to  Portland,  but  you  explain  the  reason  why,  and  con- 
sidering they  were  grown  on  one-year-old  grafts,  I  think  they  show  up  very  well.  Those  you  sent 
reached  me  in  perfect  condition,  as  sound  and  perfect  and  firm  as  though  just  picked  from  the 
tree.  I  handed  one  to  Mr.  A.  R.  Sprague,  who  used  to  be  prominently  engaged  in  the  fruit  ship- 
ping business,  and  alter  tasting  it  he  said  he  had  never  eaten  a  better  plum,  and  grew  quite  en- 
thusiastic in  his  comments.  What  little  I  know  of  the  fruit,  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  Mr. 
Burbank's  declaration  that  it  is  one  of  his  best  plums  was  well  founded;  and  its  early  ripening 
qualities,  coupled  with  its  evident  good  shipping  qualities,  agreeable  aroma  and  superior  flavor, 
oueht  to  make  it  a  very  attractive  member  of  the  plum  family. 

Yours    very   truly, 

J.  A.  FILCHER, 
Secretary  State  Agricultural  Society. 

QUALITY    FINE,    RICH,   JUICY    AND    SWEET. 

St.   Louis,  Mo.,  July   18,   1908. 
Mr.  George  C.  Roeding,  Fresno,    Cal. 

Dear  Sir:  The  box  of  Santa  Rosa  plums  which  you  sent  July  8th,  reached  me  July  13th.  One 
specimen  had  just  started  to  decay,  all  the  others  were  in  perfect  condition.  I  have  kept  a  few 
of  them  on  my  desk  until  today,  and  they  have  just  started  to  show  indication  of  decaying.  It 
seems  to  me  that  this  is  a  good  indication  of  its  carrying  qualities. 

The  quality  is  very  fine,  rich,  juicy  and  sweet.  It  appears  to  me  to  be  a  valuable  addition 
to  our  various  plums  and  especially  so  if  it  proves  to  be  hardy  and  prolific  bearer  in  more  trying 
localities  than  the  place  of  its  origin.  Yours  truly, 

H.     C.     IRISH, 
Of  the  National  Council  of  Horticulture. 


ONLY  AUTHORIZED  DISTRIBUTORS 
BURBANK'S  LATE  INTRODUCTIONS 


Some  New  Varieties  of 

Fruit  ™<*  Forest  Trees 

offered  to  th?  public  for  the  first  time 


Fanc/ier  Creek  Nurseries 

Fresno,  California,  United  States  of  America 
George  C.  Roeding,  Pres'f  and  Manager 


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